A tragic incident occurred in Aberdeenshire, resulting in the death of RAF serviceman Corporal David Thorne, and a woman has been charged in connection with the fatal crash. The collision, which took place on the A96 in Huntly, claimed the life of the 43-year-old grandfather and dedicated serviceman. The incident involved a motorbike and a car at the junction of A920 Deveron Road. Corporal Thorne was riding his red Honda VFR800 motorcycle when the collision occurred and unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The female driver of the white BMW i4, then 32 years old, was unharmed in the crash.
The woman has been charged with road traffic offences related to the incident, and a report is set to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Corporal David Thorne, known fondly as Dave, had served in the RAF for 26 years as an aircraft technician, being a part of 1 (Fighter) Squadron. He was a dedicated family man, leaving behind his wife, three children, and two grandchildren. The RAF community mourned his loss, highlighting his exceptional service record, including multiple deployments to locations such as Afghanistan, Cyprus, and the Falkland Islands.
Corporal Thorne had recently been offered a promotion to the rank of Sergeant, reflecting his professionalism and leadership qualities. RAF Lossiemouth station commander, Group Captain Jim Lee, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing Corporal Thorne’s positive impact on the station and his commitment to improving the lives of those around him. The RAF stands ready to support his family during this difficult time.
In conclusion, the tragic loss of Corporal David Thorne serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by military personnel, both in active duty and in their personal lives. The charges brought against the woman involved in the crash underscore the importance of road safety for all individuals. The heartfelt tributes and reflections on Corporal Thorne’s life highlight the impact he had on his colleagues, his family, and the wider RAF community.